Apparatus for Thermal Control of Tubing Assembly and Associated Methods

ABSTRACT

A tubing assembly includes a plurality of tubing structures connected to each other in a configuration providing one or more fluid pathways through the plurality of tubing structures from a fluid entrance to a fluid exit of the plurality of tubing structures. An electrical resistance heating filament wire is wound around the plurality of tubing structures in an unbroken manner from the fluid entrance to the fluid exit. The electrical resistance heating filament wire has a first electrical lead located proximate to the fluid entrance of the plurality of tubing structures and a second electrical lead located proximate to the fluid exit of the plurality of tubing structures. An encapsulation layer of thermal insulating material is disposed over an entirety of the plurality of tubing structures and covers the electrical resistance heating filament wire wound around the plurality of tubing structures with the first and second electrical leads exposed.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application is a divisional application under 35 U.S.C. 121 of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/675,603, filed on Mar. 31, 2015, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entiretyfor all purposes.

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to semiconductor chip fabricationfacilities.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many modern semiconductor chip fabrication processes require processgases and/or liquids to be supplied in a carefully controlled manner toa reaction chamber in which the process gases and/or liquids are appliedto affect processing of a semiconductor wafer. Provision of the processgases and/or liquids to the reaction chambers can include controlling atemperature of the process gases and/or liquids in route to the reactionchamber and just prior to input into the reaction chambers. It is withinthis context that the present invention arises.

SUMMARY

In one example embodiment, a tubing assembly is disclosed. The tubingassembly includes a plurality of tubing structures connected to eachother in a configuration providing one or more fluid pathways throughthe plurality of tubing structures from a fluid entrance of theplurality of tubing structures to a fluid exit of the plurality oftubing structures. The tubing assembly includes an electrical resistanceheating filament wire wound around the plurality of tubing structures inan unbroken manner from the fluid entrance of the plurality of tubingstructures to the fluid exit of the plurality of tubing structures. Theelectrical resistance heating filament wire has a first electrical leadlocated proximate to the fluid entrance of the plurality of tubingstructures and a second electrical lead located proximate to the fluidexit of the plurality of tubing structures. The tubing assembly includesan encapsulation layer of thermal insulating material disposed over anentirety of the plurality of tubing structures and covering theelectrical resistance heating filament wire wound around the pluralityof tubing structures with the first and second electrical leads exposed.

In one example embodiment, a method is disclosed for manufacturing atubing assembly. The method includes connecting a plurality of tubingstructures together in a tubing assembly configuration providing one ormore fluid pathways through the plurality of tubing structures from afluid entrance of the plurality of tubing structures to a fluid exit ofthe plurality of tubing structures. The method includes winding anelectrical resistance heating filament wire around the plurality oftubing structures in an unbroken manner from the fluid entrance of theplurality of tubing structures to the fluid exit of the plurality oftubing structures, such that the electrical resistance heating filamentwire has a first electrical lead located proximate to the fluid entranceof the plurality of tubing structures and a second electrical leadlocated proximate to the fluid exit of the plurality of tubingstructures. The method includes applying an encapsulation layer ofthermal insulating material over an entirety of the plurality of tubingstructures in a manner to cover the electrical resistance heatingfilament wire wound around the plurality of tubing structures and leavethe first and second electrical leads exposed.

In one example embodiment, a system for manufacturing a tubing assemblyis disclosed. The system includes a winding apparatus configured to windan electrical resistance heating filament wire around a tubing assemblyas the tubing assembly is moved through the winding apparatus. Thetubing assembly includes a plurality of tubing structures connected toeach other in a configuration providing one or more fluid pathwaysthrough the plurality of tubing structures from a fluid entrance of theplurality of tubing structures to a fluid exit of the plurality oftubing structures. The winding apparatus includes an open bore withinwhich the electrical resistance heating filament wire is wound aroundthe tubing assembly as the tubing assembly passes through the open bore.The system includes a tubing assembly handling apparatus configured tohold the tubing assembly and direct movement of the tubing assemblythrough the open bore of the winding apparatus. The system includes awinding control system configured to control operation of the windingapparatus and the tubing assembly handling apparatus. The windingcontrol system is configured to control a rate at which the electricalresistance heating filament wire is wound around the tubing assembly asthe tubing assembly passes through the open bore. The winding controlsystem is also configured to control a rate at which the tubing assemblyis moved through the open bore of the winding apparatus. The windingcontrol system is configured to be programmable such that movement ofthe tubing assembly through the open bore of the winding apparatus asthe electrical resistance heating filament wire is wound around thetubing assembly by the winding apparatus is performed in an automatedmanner in accordance with a program executed by the winding controlsystem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic top view of an example embodiment of amulti-station processing tool within a semiconductor fabricationfacility.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a tubing assemblywith integral heating components, in accordance with some exampleembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an example tubing assembly, in accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows the tubing assembly of FIG. 3 with a layer of dielectricmaterial applied to the external surfaces of the tubing structures.

FIG. 5A shows an example of having performed the operation to wind anelectrical resistance heating filament wire around the tubing assembly.

FIG. 5B shows an example of having performed the operation to wind twoelectrical resistance heating filament wires around the tubing assembly.

FIG. 5C shows the two electrical resistance heating filament wires woundaround the tubing assembly, with the electrical leads of the twoelectrical resistance heating filament wires connected to each othernear the fluid exit.

FIG. 6A shows the electrical lead as having a single receptacle forreceiving a complementary shaped prong.

FIG. 6B shows the electrical lead as having a single prong shaped forinsertion into the receptacle of the electrical lead.

FIG. 6C shows the electrical lead as having two receptacles forreceiving complementary shaped prongs.

FIG. 6D shows the electrical lead as having two prongs shaped forinsertion into the receptacles of the electrical lead.

FIG. 7 shows an encapsulation layer of thermal insulating materialdisposed over an entirety of the plurality of tubing structures of thetubing assembly so as to cover the electrical resistance heatingfilament wires as wound around the plurality of tubing structures and soas to leave the first and second electrical leads exposed.

FIG. 8 shows the tubing assembly of FIG. 7 with a layer of abrasionresistant material applied over the encapsulation layer of thermalinsulating material.

FIG. 9 shows an example fit up of tubing assemblies having integralheating components as manufactured in accordance with the method of FIG.2.

FIG. 10 shows an example system for manufacturing a tubing assemblyaccording to the method of FIG. 2, in accordance with some embodimentsof the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows the tubing assembly handling apparatus and the windingapparatus being operated in an automated manner under the control of thewinding control system to wind the electrical resistance heatingfilament wires around the tubing assembly.

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of a system in which the tubing assemblyhandling apparatus and the winding apparatus is deployed with a firstcoating module, a second coating module, and a third coating module, inaccordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. Itwill be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the presentinvention may be practiced without some or all of these specificdetails. In other instances, well known process operations have not beendescribed in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the presentinvention.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic top view of an example embodiment of amulti-station processing tool 100 within a semiconductor fabricationfacility. The multi-station processing tool 100 includes an inbound loadlock 102 and an outbound load lock 104. A robot 106, at atmosphericpressure, is configured to move a substrate, e.g., semiconductor wafer,from a cassette loaded through a pod 108 into inbound load lock 102 viaan atmospheric port 110, and place the substrate on a support 112 withinthe inbound load lock 102. Inbound load lock 102 is coupled to a vacuumsource (not shown) so that, when atmospheric port 110 is closed, inboundload lock 102 may be pumped down. Inbound load lock 102 also includes achamber transport port 116 interfaced with processing chamber 103. Thus,when chamber transport port 116 is opened, another robot (not shown) maymove the substrate from inbound load lock 102 to a substrate support 118of a first process station 1 for processing. The example processingchamber 103 includes four process stations, numbered from 1 to 4. Itshould be appreciated, however, that other embodiments of the processingchamber 103 can include more or less process stations, and can bearranged in configurations different than what is shown by way ofexample for the processing tool 100 in FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, processing chamber 103 may be configured tomaintain a low pressure environment so that substrates may betransferred among the process stations 1-4 within the processing chamber103 using carrier rings 125A-125D and spider forks 126A-126D withoutexperiencing a vacuum break and/or air exposure. The spider forks126A-126D rotate and enable transfer of substrates between processstations. The transfer occurs by enabling the spider forks 126A-126D tolift the carrier rings 125A-125D from an outer undersurface, which liftsthe substrates, and rotates the substrates and carrier rings 125A-125Dtogether to the next process station. Each process station depicted inFIG. 1 includes a process station substrate support 118A-118D andprocess fluid supply lines and removal lines. It should be appreciatedthat the processing tool 100 and each of the process stations 1-4represents a very complex system including numerous interrelated andinterfacing components. In order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thepresent invention, details of the processing stations 1-4 and otherinterrelated and interfacing components are not further describedherein.

Each process station 1-4 can be defined to perform one or more substrateprocessing/manufacturing operations. The processing/manufacturingoperations performed by the process stations 1-4 can include utilizationof various fluids (gases and/or liquids) which are delivered to andremoved from the process stations 1-4 by various tubing arrangements.For example, with reference back to FIG. 1, within the semiconductorfabrication facility, the spaces between, above, below, around, andwithin the processing tool 100 and its various process stations 1-4 caninclude a complex network of tubing for delivering various process gasesand/or liquids to the various process stations and for removing variousprocess gases and/or liquids from the various process stations 1-4.

In some embodiments, portions of this network of tubing needs to betemperature controlled so as to establish and control temperatures ofthe various process fluids prior to their arrival at the various processstations 1-4. In some embodiments, tubing is heated and insulated toaffect heating of the various process fluids as they travel through thetubing network to the process stations 1-4. In some embodiments, theheating of the tubing is provided by electrical resistance heaters incontact with or in close proximity to the tubing. In such embodiments,the tubing is metallic or made of a material suitable to withstandexposure to the heat flux emanating from the electrical resistanceheaters.

In some embodiments, portions of the tubing network used to conveyvarious process fluids to and/or from the process stations 1-4 arefabricated as separate tubing assemblies outside of the semiconductorfabrication facility. The separate tubing assemblies are then fittogether within the semiconductor fabrication facility to form therequired network of tubing for delivery of various process fluids to theprocess stations 1-4 and/or for removal of various process fluids fromthe process stations 1-4. Some sections or flow paths of the tubingnetwork may need to be temperature controlled. The tubing assemblieswithin these temperature controlled sections of the tubing network canbe fabricated with integral heating components. In some embodiments, theintegral heating components of various tubing assemblies can beconnected together as the various tubing assemblies are fit togetherwithin the semiconductor fabrication facility, so as to form anelectrical heating circuit for sections of the tubing network. And, theelectrical heating circuit can be connected to a control system forcontrolling the heating of the tubing, which in turn controls thetemperature of the fluids being delivered to and/or removed from theprocess stations 1-4.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a tubing assemblywith integral heating components, in accordance with some exampleembodiments of the present invention. The method includes an operation201 for connecting a plurality of tubing structures together in a tubingassembly configuration providing one or more fluid pathways through theplurality of tubing structures from a fluid entrance of the plurality oftubing structures to a fluid exit of the plurality of tubing structures.FIG. 3 shows an example tubing assembly as connected together inoperation 201, in accordance with an example embodiment of the presentinvention. The tubing assembly 300 includes tubing structures 305, 307,309, 311, 313, 315, 317, 319, 321, 323, and 325 connected together toprovide a fluid pathway through the tubing assembly 300 from a fluidentrance 301 to a fluid exit 303. In some embodiments, the tubingstructures of the tubing assembly 300 are welded together to form aweldment. However, in other embodiments, some or all of the tubingstructures can be connected together using non-welding techniques, suchas by brazing or soldering. Also, in some embodiments, one or more ofthe tubing structures can include an end flange structure to provide forassembly using a gasket/seal-ring and fasteners such as bolts.

It should be understood that the number of tubing structures and theirconfiguration as depicted in the tubing assembly 300 of FIG. 3 is forpurposes of description and is not intended to place any limit orrestriction on how the tubing assembly can be configured in operation201. The tubing assembly configuration as connected together inoperation 201 can include any number of tubing structures, any shape oftubing structure, and any size of tubing structure, and can be puttogether using any assembly/connection process. In some embodiments,however, the tubing assembly configuration as connected in operation 201includes at least two tubing structures that are connected within thetubing assembly in an angled configuration relative to each other suchthat an angle of less than 180 degrees exists between axial centerlinesof the at least two tubing structures. For example, the tubing assembly300 of FIG. 3 shows tubing structures 307 and 311 that are connected atan angled configuration relative to each other such that an angle 327 ofless than 180 degrees exists between their axial centerlines.

The method of FIG. 2 can also include an optional operation 203 forapplying a layer of a dielectric material onto the plurality of tubingstructures before winding of electrical resistance heating filament wirearound the plurality of tubing structures. FIG. 4 shows the tubingassembly 300 of FIG. 3 with a layer of dielectric material 400 appliedto the external surfaces of the tubing structures 307, 309, 311, 313,315, 317, 319, 321, 323. In some embodiments, the operation 203 can beperformed to apply the layer of the dielectric material to some of thetubing structures while not applying the layer of the dielectricmaterial to some of the tubing structures. For example, FIG. 4 showsthat the layer of the dielectric material is not applied to the tubingstructures 305 and 325. In some embodiments, the operation 203 can beperformed to apply the layer of the dielectric material to all of thetubing structures. The dielectric material applied in the operation 203is both electrically insulating and thermally conductive. In someembodiments, the dielectric material applied in the operation 203 can bepolyimide. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodimentsthe dielectric material applied in the operation 203 can be essentiallyany type of dielectric material that is capable of transferring heatemanating from electrical resistance heating filament wire to the tubingstructures while also providing a required amount of electricalinsulation. In various embodiments, the dielectric material can beapplied in the operation 203 to have a thickness with a range extendingfrom about 10 microns to about 500 microns. However, it should beunderstood that in other embodiments the dielectric material can beapplied in the operation 203 to have a thickness greater than 500microns.

The method of FIG. 2 continues with an operation 205 for winding anelectrical resistance heating filament wire around the plurality oftubing structures in an unbroken manner from the fluid entrance of theplurality of tubing structures to the fluid exit of the plurality oftubing structures. FIG. 5A shows an example of having performedoperation 205 to wind an electrical resistance heating filament wire 501around the tubing assembly 300. The electrical resistance heatingfilament wire 501 is formed of a material that will heat up when anelectrical current is applied to flow through the electrical resistanceheating filament wire 501. In some embodiments, the electricalresistance heating filament wire 501 is formed of Nichrome, which is anon-magnetic alloy of nickel and chromium having a high resistivity andresistance to oxidation at high temperature. In some embodiments, theelectrical resistance heating filament wire 501 is formed of Constantan,which is a copper-nickel alloy having a substantially constantresistivity over a broad range of temperature. In some embodiments, theelectrical resistance heating filament wire 501 is formed of Kanthal™,such as Alloy 875/815, which is a family of alloys ofiron-chromium-aluminum having intermediate electrical resistance and anability to withstand high temperatures. In some embodiments, theelectrical resistance heating filament wire 501 is formed of Evanohm(Alloy 800), Advance™ (Cupron or Alloy 45), Midohm™ (Alloy 180), Balco(Alloy 120), Alloy 30, Alloy 60, and/or Alloy 90, among others.

In some embodiments, the electrical resistance heating filament wire iswound around the plurality of tubing structures such that the electricalresistance heating filament wire has a first electrical lead locatedproximate to the fluid entrance of the plurality of tubing structuresand a second electrical lead located proximate to the fluid exit of theplurality of tubing structures. For example, FIG. 5A shows an electricallead 613 located proximate to the fluid entrance 301 and an electricallead 609 located proximate to the fluid exit 303. The electrical leadsconnected to the ends of the electrical resistance heating filamentwires can be of many different configurations. For example, FIG. 6Ashows the electrical lead 609 as having a single receptacle 611 forreceiving a complementary shaped prong. The receptacle 611 iselectrically connected to the electrical resistance heating filamentwire 501 such that electrical continuity is established between thecomplementary shaped prong and the electrical resistance heatingfilament wire 501 upon insertion of the complementary shaped prong intothe receptacle 611. FIG. 6B shows the electrical lead 613 as having asingle prong 615 shaped for insertion into the receptacle 611 of theelectrical lead 609. The prong 615 is electrically connected to theelectrical resistance heating filament wire 501. The electrical leads609 and 613 are formed of a material capable of withstanding thetemperatures to which the electrical resistance heating filament wire501 is raised during operation. In some example embodiments, theelectrical leads 609 and 613 are formed of ceramic or other suitableheat resistant material such as plastic, among others. Also, in someembodiments, the electrical leads 609 and 613 are formed to clip/secureto each other when connected.

In some embodiments, the method of FIG. 2 can include a variation of theoperation 205 in which two electrical resistance heating filament wiresare wound around the plurality of tubing structures in an unbrokenmanner from the fluid entrance of the plurality of tubing structures tothe fluid exit of the plurality of tubing structures. In someembodiments, the two electrical resistance heating filament wires arewound around the plurality of tubing structures at separate times, i.e.,a first electrical resistance heating filament wire is wound around theplurality of tubing structures first, then a second electricalresistance heating filament wire is wound around the plurality of tubingstructures. In some embodiments, both of the two electrical resistanceheating filament wires are wound around the plurality of tubingstructures at the same time, i.e., simultaneously.

FIG. 5B shows an example of having performed operation 205 to wind twoelectrical resistance heating filament wires 501 and 503 around thetubing assembly 300. The electrical resistance heating filament wire 501is the first electrical resistance heating filament wire. And, theelectrical resistance heating filament wire 503 is the second electricalresistance heating filament wire. Each of the first and secondelectrical resistance heating filament wires 501 and 503 are woundaround the plurality of tubing structures in an unbroken manner from thefluid entrance 301 to the fluid exit 303, such that the secondelectrical resistance heating filament wire 503 also has a firstelectrical lead located proximate to the fluid entrance 301 of theplurality of tubing structures and also has a second electrical leadlocated proximate to the fluid exit 303 of the plurality of tubingstructures.

For example, FIG. 6C shows the electrical lead 617 as having tworeceptacles 619 and 621 for receiving complementary shaped prongs. Thereceptacle 619 is electrically connected to the electrical resistanceheating filament wire 501 such that electrical continuity is establishedbetween the complementary shaped prong and the electrical resistanceheating filament wire 501 upon insertion of the complementary shapedprong into the receptacle 619. Similarly, the receptacle 621 iselectrically connected to the electrical resistance heating filamentwire 503 such that electrical continuity is established between thecomplementary shaped prong and the electrical resistance heatingfilament wire 503 upon insertion of the complementary shaped prong intothe receptacle 621. FIG. 6D shows the electrical lead 623 as having twoprongs 625 and 627 shaped for insertion into the receptacles 619 and621, respectively, of the electrical lead 617. The prong 625 iselectrically connected to the electrical resistance heating filamentwire 501. Similarly, the prong 627 is electrically connected to theelectrical resistance heating filament wire 503. The electrical leads617 and 623 are formed of a material capable of withstanding thetemperatures to which the electrical resistance heating filament wires501 and 503 are raised during operation. In some example embodiments,the electrical leads 617 and 623 are formed of ceramic or other suitableheat resistant material such as plastic, among others. Also, in someembodiments, the electrical leads 617 and 623 are formed to clip/secureto each other when connected.

It should be appreciated that the electrical leads 609, 613, 617, and623 can be utilized to establish electrical continuity betweenelectrical resistance heating filament wires in separate tubingassemblies when the separate tubing assemblies are fit together withinthe semiconductor fabrication facility. Also, should be appreciated thatthe electrical leads 609, 613, 617, and 623 can be utilized to establishelectrical continuity between different electrical resistance heatingfilament wires in the same tubing assembly. For example, FIG. 5C showsthe two electrical resistance heating filament wires 501 and 503 woundaround the tubing assembly 300, with the electrical leads of the twoelectrical resistance heating filament wires 501 and 503 connected toeach other near the fluid exit 303. Specifically, the electricalresistance heating filament wire 501 has the electrical lead 613connected to the electrical lead 609 of the electrical resistanceheating filament wire 503. In this manner, a continuous electricalcircuit is formed through the two electrical resistance heating filamentwires 501 and 503, such that the electrical lead 623 can be connected toa power supply to supply electric current through the two electricalresistance heating filament wires 501 and 503.

In view of the foregoing, it should be understood that the winding oftwo electrical resistance heating filament wires 501 and 503 around thetubing assembly 300 provides for electrical connection of the firstelectrical leads of the first and second electrical resistance heatingfilament wires 501 and 503 to each other at a location proximate to thefluid entrance 301, or for electrical connection of the secondelectrical leads of the first and second electrical resistance heatingfilament wires 501 and 503 to each other at a location proximate to thefluid exit 303, and for electrical connection of each of the first andsecond electrical leads of the first and second electrical resistanceheating filament wires 501 and 503 that are not connected to another ofthe first and second electrical leads of the first and second electricalresistance heating filament wires 501 and 503 to an electrical powersource.

Also, if the optional operation 203 is performed to apply the layer ofthe dielectric material onto the plurality of tubing structures beforewinding of electrical resistance heating filament wire around theplurality of tubing structures in operation 205, the one or moreelectrical resistance heating filament wire(s) is/are wound around theplurality of tubing structures in the operation 205 so as to be incontact with an exposed surface of the layer of the dielectric material.Also, in some embodiments, the electrical resistance heating filamentwire itself can be formed with an outer insulator layer which provideselectrical resistance while also providing sufficient thermalconductivity to allow for transfer of heat from the electricalresistance heating filament wire to the plurality of tubing structures.In some embodiments where the electrical resistance heating filamentwire has an outer insulator layer, the optional operation 203 may not beperformed, such that the electrical resistance heating filament wirehaving the outer insulator layer is wound directly onto the plurality oftubing structures, such as shown in FIGS. 5A-5C.

With reference back to FIG. 2, the method proceeds from the operation205 to an operation 207 for applying an encapsulation layer of thermalinsulating material over an entirety of the plurality of tubingstructures in a manner to cover the electrical resistance heatingfilament wire(s) as wound around the plurality of tubing structures inthe operation 205, and leave the first and second electrical leadsexposed, i.e., not covered by the encapsulation layer of thermalinsulating material. For example, FIG. 7 shows an encapsulation layer ofthermal insulating material 701 disposed over an entirety of theplurality of tubing structures of the tubing assembly 300 so as to coverthe electrical resistance heating filament wires 501 and 503 as woundaround the plurality of tubing structures and so as to leave the firstand second electrical leads 623 and 617 exposed. In various embodiments,the encapsulation layer of thermal insulating material 701 applied inthe operation 207 can be formed of silicon rubber or other type ofsynthetic material containing a low amount of volatile organic compounds(VOCs) and/or having a pore size that will not trap VOCs, among others.In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer of thermal insulatingmaterial 701 applied in the operation 207 can be formed of foamstructures, rubber structures, and/or silicon structures, having low VOCcontent, among others. In various embodiments, the encapsulation layerof thermal insulating material 701 can be applied in the operation 207to have a thickness with a range extending from about 1 millimeter (mm)to about 14 mm. In some embodiments, the encapsulation layer of thermalinsulating material 701 can be applied in the operation 207 to have athickness of about 6.35 mm.

Also, the method can include an optional operation 209 for applying alayer of an abrasion resistant material over the encapsulation layerthat was applied in operation 207. In some embodiments, the operation209 is performed to apply the layer of abrasion resistant material overportions of the encapsulation layer where abrasion resistance isrequired once the tubing assembly is fit up within the semiconductorfabrication facility. In some embodiments, the operation 209 isperformed to apply the layer of abrasion resistant material over anentirety of the encapsulation layer. For example, FIG. 8 shows thetubing assembly 300 of FIG. 7 with a layer of abrasion resistantmaterial 801 applied over the encapsulation layer of thermal insulatingmaterial 701. In various embodiments, the layer of abrasion resistantmaterial 801 applied in the operation 209 can be formed of flexiblematerial, such as polyimide, nylon, silicon, fiber-reinforced silicon,and/or Kevlar™, among others. In some embodiments, the layer of abrasionresistant material 801 applied in the operation 209 can be formed as ajacket covering or as a mesh sleeve or as a tube. In variousembodiments, the layer of abrasion resistant material 801 can be appliedin the operation 209 to have a thickness with a range extending fromabout 50 microns to about 400 microns. In some embodiments, the layer ofabrasion resistant material 801 can be applied in the operation 209 tohave a thickness up to about 5 mm.

In some embodiments, a substantially straight and bendable tubingstructure can be used in place of the plurality of tubing structurespreviously discussed with regard to FIG. 3. In these embodiments, theoperations 203 through 209 of the method of FIG. 2 can be performed onthe substantially straight and bendable tubing structure. Then, thetubing assembly as manufactured according to the method of FIG. 2 usingthe substantially straight and bendable tubing structure can be bentinto a shape required for its placement within the semiconductorfabrication facility. In these embodiments, each component of the tubingassembly, i.e., dielectric material (if used), electrical resistanceheating filament wire, encapsulation layer, and abrasion resistantmaterial layer (if used), is configured with sufficient flexibility toallow for the bending as required to shape the tubing assembly for itsplacement within the semiconductor fabrication facility. In someembodiments, the tubing assembly configuration is initiallysubstantially straight and bendable. In some embodiments, the electricalresistance heating filament wire is wound around the plurality of tubingstructures with the tubing assembly configuration substantiallystraight. In some embodiments, the tubing assembly configuration is bentinto a final shape either after the electrical resistance heatingfilament wire is wound around the plurality of tubing structures orafter the encapsulation layer of thermal insulating material is applied.

FIG. 9 shows an example fit up of tubing assemblies having integralheating components as manufactured in accordance with the method of FIG.2. Specifically, FIG. 9 shows a first tubing assembly 902 fit togetherwith a second tubing assembly 904. For sake of description, each of thetubing assemblies 902 and 904 is like the tubing assembly 300 describedwith regard to FIGS. 2-8. It is envisioned that each of the tubingassemblies 902 and 904 is fabricated outside of the semiconductorfabrication facility and then fit together inside the semiconductorfabrication facility at or near their final place of installation. Inthe example configuration of FIG. 9, the electrical resistance heatingfilament wire 501 of the first tubing assembly 902 is electricallyconnected to the electrical resistance heating filament wire 501 of thesecond tubing assembly 904 through the electrical leads 617 and 623.Similarly, the electrical resistance heating filament wire 503 of thefirst tubing assembly 902 is electrically connected to the electricalresistance heating filament wire 503 of the second tubing assembly 904through the electrical leads 617 and 623. Also, the electricalresistance heating filament wires 501 and 503 in the second tubingassembly 904 are electrically connected to each other by way of theelectrical leads 609 and 613. And, the electrical resistance heatingfilament wires 501 and 503 in the first tubing assembly 902 areelectrically connected to the two prongs, respectively, of theelectrical lead 623, which is in turn electrically connected to a plug911 of a power supply line.

The power supply line includes two separate electrical conductors 907and 909 that run to a power supply 901. In the example of FIG. 9, thepower supply 901 is a direct current (DC) power supply and includes apositive terminal 903 and a negative terminal 905. The electricalconductor 907 is electrically connected to the positive terminal 903,and the electrical conductor 909 is electrically connected to thenegative terminal 905. The power supply 901 is defined to provide a flowof electric current through the electrical conductors 907, 909, 501, and503 so as to cause heating of the two electrical resistance heatingfilament wires 501 and 503, which in turn causes heating of the tubingstructures within each of the first and second tubing assemblies 902 and904, which in turn causes heating of the fluid traveling through thefirst and second tubing assemblies 902 and 904. The power supply 901 isdefined to provide the flow of electric current through the electricalconductors 907, 909, 501, and 503 in a controlled manner to as maintaina target temperature of the first and second tubing assemblies 902 and904, and correspondingly of the fluid traveling through the first andsecond tubing assemblies 902 and 904. It should be understood thatalthough the power supply 901 is shown as a DC power supply in theexample embodiments of FIG. 9, in other embodiments the power supply 901can be an alternating current (AC) power supply, with the positive andnegative terminals 903 and 905 representing electrical terminals of theAC power supply.

FIG. 9 also shows that in some embodiments a temperature control system913 can be implemented to provide for control of the temperature of thetubing assemblies 902 and 904. The temperature control system 913 can beconnected to receive inputs from a number of thermocouple leads 915A,915B (or essentially any other type of temperature sensing device)deployed to measure the temperature of the tubing assemblies 902 and904. It should be appreciated that any number of temperature sensors canbe deployed at any location on the tubing assemblies 902 and 904 asnecessary to provide temperature inputs required for controlling thetemperature of the fluid flowing through the tubing assemblies 902 and904. The temperature control system 913 is configured to transmitcontrol signals to the power supply 901, by way of connection 917, so asto control the power supply 901 based on the monitored temperatureinputs (as received through 915A, 915B) so as to control the heating ofthe two electrical resistance heating filament wires 501 and 503 andthereby control the temperature of the fluid flowing through the tubingassemblies 902 and 904.

It should be understood that the example system depicted in FIG. 9 is asimplified example provided for descriptive purposes. In variousembodiments, any number and any configuration of tubing assemblies asmanufactured in accordance with the method of FIG. 2 can be fit togetherin the semiconductor fabrication facility. Also, in some embodiments,one or more power supplies, e.g., 901, can be connected to provideelectrical power to any number of and any configuration of tubingassemblies as manufactured in accordance with the method of FIG. 2, solong as the power supply is capable of providing electrical power to theelectrical resistance heating filament wires, e.g., 501 and 503, asnecessary to appropriately heat the fluid flowing through the tubingassemblies.

FIG. 10 shows an example system for manufacturing a tubing assemblyaccording to the method of FIG. 2, in accordance with some embodimentsof the present invention. The system of FIG. 10 includes a tubingassembly handling apparatus 1001, a winding apparatus 1050, and awinding control system 1071. The winding apparatus 1050 is configured towind an electrical resistance heating filament wire around a tubingassembly, e.g., 300, as the tubing assembly is moved through the windingapparatus 1050. As discussed above, the tubing assembly, e.g., 300,includes a plurality of tubing structures connected to each other in aconfiguration providing one or more fluid pathways through the pluralityof tubing structures from a fluid entrance of the plurality of tubingstructures to a fluid exit of the plurality of tubing structures. Also,in some embodiments, the plurality of tubing structures includes atleast two tubing structures that are connected within the tubingassembly at an angled configuration relative to each other such that anangle of less than 180 degrees exists between axial centerlines of theat least two tubing structures.

The winding apparatus 1050 includes an open bore 1053 within which theelectrical resistance heating filament wire is wound around the tubingassembly as the tubing assembly passes through the open bore 1053. Inthe example of FIG. 10, the winding apparatus 1050 includes two wiredispense head 1055 and 1057 that are configured to rotate around theopen bore 1053 while each simultaneously dispensing electricalresistance heating filament wire such that the electrical resistanceheating filament wire wraps around the tubing assembly as it is movedthrough the open bore 1053. It should be understood, however, that inother embodiments the winding apparatus 1050 can include one dispensehead, or more than two dispense heads. FIG. 11 shows a front view A-A ofthe winding apparatus 1050 with the dispense head 1055 moving in adirection 1103 around the open bore 1053 while simultaneously dispensingelectrical resistance heating filament wire 503 so as to wrap around thetubing assembly 300. And, the front view A-A of the winding apparatus1050 as shown in FIG. 11 also shows the dispense head 1057 moving in adirection 1105 around the open bore 1053 while simultaneously dispensingelectrical resistance heating filament wire 501 so as to wrap around thetubing assembly 300.

In various embodiments, the winding apparatus 1050 includes a bore outerstructure 1051 for housing the mechanics for rotating the dispense heads1055 and 1057 around the open bore 1053. In some embodiments, the boreouter structure 1051 is rotatable by way of a pivot structure 1059, asindicated by arrows 1061, in order to change an azimuthal position ofthe bore outer structure 1051. Also, in some embodiments, the bore outerstructure 1051 is connected to a support member 1064, which is rotatableby way of a pivot structure 1063, as indicated by arrows 1065, in orderto change a tilt position of the bore outer structure 1051. Also, insome embodiments, the support member 1064 and/or bore outer structure1051 is connected to a vertical support 1067, which can be movedvertically, as indicated by arrows 1069, in order to change a verticalposition of the bore outer structure 1051.

The tubing assembly handling apparatus 1001 is configured to hold thetubing assembly 300 and direct movement of the tubing assembly 300through the open bore 1053 of the winding apparatus 1050. The tubingassembly handling apparatus 1001 is a robotic handling system that isconfigured to position the tubing assembly 300 in any spatialorientation and move the tubing assembly 300 through the open bore 1053of the winding apparatus 1050. It should be understood that thepositioning and moving of the tubing assembly 300 as provided by thetubing assembly handling apparatus 1001 is done in a preciselycontrolled manner, and can be done in an automated manner.

In the example of FIG. 10, the tubing assembly handling apparatus 1001includes a base 1005 that is mechanically linked to a drive track 1003,such that the base 1005 can be moved toward the winding apparatus 1050and/or away from the winding apparatus 1050 in a controlled manner, asindicated by arrows 1025. The example tubing assembly handling apparatus1001 includes a support structure 1007 connected to the base 1005. Thesupport structure 1007 can be rotated in a controlled manner asindicated by arrows 1027. The example tubing assembly handling apparatus1001 also includes a support structure 1009 connected to the supportstructure 1007 by way of pivot structure 1011, such that the supportstructure 1009 can be rotated about the pivot structure 1011 in acontrolled manner, as indicated by arrows 1029. The example tubingassembly handling apparatus 1001 also includes a support structure 1013connected to the support structure 1009 by way of pivot structure 1015,such that the support structure 1013 can be rotated about the pivotstructure 1015 in a controlled manner, as indicated by arrows 1031. Theexample tubing assembly handling apparatus 1001 also includes a supportstructure 1017 connected to the support structure 1013 by way of pivotstructure 1019, such that the support structure 1017 can be rotatedabout the pivot structure 1019 in a controlled manner, as indicated byarrows 1033. The example tubing assembly handling apparatus 1001 alsoincludes a support structure 1021 connected to the support structure1017 by way of pivot structure 1023, such that the support structure1021 can be rotated about the pivot structure 1023 in a controlledmanner, as indicated by arrows 1035. The example tubing assemblyhandling apparatus 1001 also includes a gripper structure 1023configured to securely hold the tubing assembly 300. The gripperstructure 1023 is connected to the support structure 1021. In variousembodiments, the gripper structure 1023 can be rotated in a controlledmanner as indicated by arrows 1037.

The winding control system 1071 is configured to control operation ofthe winding apparatus 1050 and the tubing assembly handling apparatus1001. The winding control system 1071 is configured to control a rate atwhich the electrical resistance heating filament wire is wound aroundthe tubing assembly 300 as the tubing assembly 300 passes through theopen bore 1053 of the winding apparatus 1050. The winding control system1071 is also configured to control a rate at which the tubing assembly300 is moved through the open bore 1053 of the winding apparatus 1050.The winding control system 1071 is also configured to be programmablesuch that movement of the tubing assembly 300 through the open bore 1053of the winding apparatus 1050 as the electrical resistance heatingfilament wire is wound around the tubing assembly 300 by the windingapparatus is performed in an automated manner in accordance with aprogram executed by the winding control system 1071.

The winding control system 1071 includes a winder control module 1073and a handler control module 1075. The winder control module 1073 isconfigured to control all aspects of operation of the winding apparatus1050 by way of control signals transmitted through a control connection1083. For example, the winder control module 1073 is configured tocontrol the rate or revolutions per minute (RPM) at which the dispenseheads 1055 and 1057 rotate around the open bore 1053. And, the windercontrol module 1073 is configured to control the location andorientation of the bore outer structure 1051 by way of any of theavailable movement mechanisms such as the pivot structures 1059 and 1063and the vertical support 1067.

The handler control module 1075 is configured to control all aspects ofoperation of the tubing assembly handling apparatus 1001 by way ofcontrol signals transmitted through a control connection 1085. Forexample, the handler control module 1075 is configured to control aposition of the tubing assembly handling apparatus 1001 along the drivetrack 1003, as indicated by arrows 1025. The handler control module 1075is also configured to control an acceleration and velocity of the tubingassembly handling apparatus 1001 along the drive track 1003, asindicated by arrows 1025. The handler control module 1075 is alsoconfigured to control articulation of the tubing assembly handlingapparatus 1001 so as to position the tubing assembly 300 in any requiredorientation at any time. More specifically, the tubing assembly handlingapparatus 1001, under the control of the handler control module 1075, isconfigured to control an orientation of the tubing assembly 300 as thetubing assembly 300 is moved through the open bore 1053 of the windingapparatus 1050 such that an axial centerline of a given tubing structureof the plurality of tubing sections of the tubing assembly 300 ismaintained in a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to anentrance opening of the open bore 1053 of the winding apparatus 1050 asthe given tubing structure passes through the open bore 1053 of thewinding apparatus 1050.

The winding control system 1071 is further configured to automate theprocess of winding the electrical resistance heating filament wirearound the plurality of tubing structures of the tubing assembly 300 inan unbroken manner from the fluid entrance to the fluid exit, asperformed in operation 205 of the method of FIG. 2. The winding controlsystem 1071 includes a computer system configured receive one or moreinputs, including a motion profile program 1077, a resistance targetvalue 1081, and/or a tubing assembly specification 1079. In someembodiments, the computer system of the winding control system 1071 isconfigured to operate both the tubing assembly handling apparatus 1001and the winding apparatus 1050 in unison so as to follow the motionprofile program 1077 received as input, which in turn causes the tubingassembly 300 to be moved and articulated through the open bore 1053 ofthe winding apparatus 1050 so as to wind the electrical resistanceheating filament wire around the tubing assembly 300 in a prescribedmanner. In some embodiments, the computer system of the winding controlsystem 1071 is configured to operate both the tubing assembly handlingapparatus 1001 and the winding apparatus 1050 in unison so as to moveand articulate the tubing assembly 300 through the open bore 1053 of thewinding apparatus 1050 based on the tubing assembly specification 1079received as input, so as to wind the electrical resistance heatingfilament wire around the tubing assembly 300 in a prescribed manner. Insome embodiments, the computer system of the winding control system 1071is configured to operate both the tubing assembly handling apparatus1001 and the winding apparatus 1050 in unison so as to achieve a desireddensity of the electrical resistance heating filament wire along thetubing section 300, or portion thereof, where the desired density of theelectrical resistance heating filament wire is specified by theresistance target value 1081 (Ohms per unit length) received as input tothe winding control system 1071.

It should be understood that in other embodiments the winding controlsystem 1071 may include other control features that are not specificallyshown in FIG. 10, but which contribute to controlling how the electricalresistance heating filament wire is wound around the tubing assembly300. It should be further appreciated that the winding control system1071, the tubing assembly handling apparatus 1001, and the windingapparatus 1050 provide for automated winding of the electricalresistance heating filament wire around essentially any configuration oftubing assembly. For example, FIG. 11 shows the tubing assembly handlingapparatus 1001 and the winding apparatus 1050 being operated in anautomated manner under the control of the winding control system 1071 towind the electrical resistance heating filament wires 501 and 503 aroundthe tubing assembly 300 in accordance with operation 205 of the methodof FIG. 2. Specifically, the tubing assembly handling apparatus 1001 ismoving in the direction 1101 toward the winding apparatus 1050 whileholding the tubing assembly 300 in a fixed position, as the dispenseheads 1055 and 1057 rotate in the directions 1103 and 1105,respectively, so as to wind the electrical resistance heating filamentwires 503 and 501, respectively, around the tubing assembly 300.

FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of a system in which the tubing assemblyhandling apparatus 1001 and the winding apparatus 1050 is deployed witha first coating module 1201, a second coating module 1203, and a thirdcoating module, in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention. The first coating module 1201 is configured to apply a layerof a dielectric material onto the tubing assembly 300 prior to movementof the tubing assembly through the open bore 1053 of the windingapparatus 1050, such as previously described with regard to optionaloperation 203 of the method of FIG. 2. The tubing assembly handlingapparatus 1001 is configured to direct movement of the tubing assembly300 during application of the layer of the dielectric material by thefirst coating module 1201. Similarly, the second coating module 1203 isconfigured to apply an encapsulation layer of thermal insulatingmaterial over the tubing assembly 300 after movement of the tubingassembly through the open bore 1053 of the winding apparatus 1050, suchas previously described with regard to operation 207 of the method ofFIG. 2. The tubing assembly handling apparatus 1001 is configured todirect movement of the tubing assembly 300 during application of theencapsulation layer of thermal insulating material by the second coatingmodule 1203. The third coating module 1205 is configured to apply alayer of an abrasion resistant material onto the tubing assembly 300after application of the encapsulation layer of thermal insulatingmaterial, such as previously described with regard to optional operation209 of the method of FIG. 2. The tubing assembly handling apparatus 1001is configured to direct movement of the tubing assembly 300 duringapplication of the layer of an abrasion resistant material by the thirdcoating module 1205.

It should be understood that the configuration of the tubing assemblyhandling apparatus 1001 and winding apparatus 1050 relative to the firstcoating module 1201, the second coating module 1203, and the thirdcoating module 1205 as shown in FIG. 12 is provided by way of example.In other embodiments, the first coating module 1201, the second coatingmodule 1203, and the third coating module 1205 can be positioned atessentially any locations, so long as the tubing assembly handlingapparatus 1001 is capable of directing movement of the tubing assembly300 through each of the first coating module 1201, the second coatingmodule 1203, the third coating module 1205, and the winding apparatus1050.

It should be appreciated that the method for manufacturing tubingassemblies with integral heating components as disclosed herein providesfor relief of component crowding within tight spaces around and near thetubing assemblies when installed in the semiconductor fabricationfacility. For example, by integrating heating components within thetubing assemblies, in the manner disclosed herein, the number ofelectrical connections for heating the tubing network is reduced, whichthereby reduces component crowding that would have otherwise been causedby an excessive number of electrical connections. Also, by reducing thenumber of required electrical connections and correspondingly reducingthe component crowding around and near where the tubing assemblies areto be installed within the semiconductor fabrication facility, theinstallation of the tubing assemblies having the integral heatingcomponents is simplified. Also, integration of the heating componentswith the tubing assemblies, as disclosed herein, lends itself toautomation, as disclosed herein, which in turn can lead to reduced costfor temperature controlled tubing networks within the semiconductorfabrication facility.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail forpurposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certainchanges and modifications can be practiced within the scope of theappended claims. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to beconsidered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is notto be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified withinthe scope and equivalents of the described embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for manufacturing a tubing assembly,comprising: a winding apparatus configured to wind an electricalresistance heating filament wire around a tubing assembly as the tubingassembly is moved through the winding apparatus, the tubing assemblyincluding a plurality of tubing structures connected to each other in aconfiguration providing one or more fluid pathways through the pluralityof tubing structures from a fluid entrance of the plurality of tubingstructures to a fluid exit of the plurality of tubing structures, thewinding apparatus including an open bore within which the electricalresistance heating filament wire is wound around the tubing assembly asthe tubing assembly passes through the open bore; a tubing assemblyhandling apparatus configured to hold the tubing assembly and directmovement of the tubing assembly through the open bore of the windingapparatus; and a winding control system configured to control operationof the winding apparatus and the tubing assembly handling apparatus, thewinding control system configured to control a rate at which theelectrical resistance heating filament wire is wound around the tubingassembly as the tubing assembly passes through the open bore, thewinding control system also configured to control a rate at which thetubing assembly is moved through the open bore of the winding apparatus,the winding control system configured to be programmable such thatmovement of the tubing assembly through the open bore of the windingapparatus as the electrical resistance heating filament wire is woundaround the tubing assembly by the winding apparatus is performed in anautomated manner in accordance with a program executed by the windingcontrol system.
 2. The system for manufacturing a tubing assembly asrecited in claim 1, wherein the tubing assembly handling apparatus isconfigured to control an orientation of the tubing assembly as thetubing assembly is moved through the open bore of the winding apparatussuch that an axial centerline of a given tubing structure of theplurality of tubing sections is maintained in a substantiallyperpendicular orientation relative to an entrance opening of the openbore of the winding apparatus as the given tubing structure passesthrough the open bore of the winding apparatus.
 3. The system formanufacturing a tubing assembly as recited in claim 2, wherein theplurality of tubing structures includes at least two tubing structuresthat are connected within the tubing assembly at an angled configurationrelative to each other such that an angle of less than 180 degreesexists between axial centerlines of the at least two tubing structures.4. The system for manufacturing a tubing assembly as recited in claim 1,further comprising: a first coating module configured to apply a layerof a dielectric material onto the tubing assembly prior to movement ofthe tubing assembly through the open bore of the winding apparatus, thetubing assembly handling apparatus configured to direct movement of thetubing assembly during application of the layer of the dielectricmaterial by the first coating module.
 5. The system for manufacturing atubing assembly as recited in claim 4, further comprising: a secondcoating module configured to apply an encapsulation layer of thermalinsulating material over the tubing assembly after movement of thetubing assembly through the open bore of the winding apparatus, thetubing assembly handling apparatus configured to direct movement of thetubing assembly during application of the encapsulation layer of thermalinsulating material by the second coating module.
 6. The system formanufacturing a tubing assembly as recited in claim 5, furthercomprising; a third coating module configured to apply an abrasionresistant material onto the tubing assembly after application of theencapsulation layer of thermal insulating material over the tubingassembly, the tubing assembly handling apparatus configured to directmovement of the tubing assembly during application of the abrasionresistant material by the third coating module.
 7. The system formanufacturing a tubing assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein theplurality of tubing structures are welded together to provide the one ormore fluid pathways through the plurality of tubing structures.
 8. Thesystem for manufacturing a tubing assembly as recited in claim 1,wherein said electrical resistance heating filament wire is a firstelectrical resistance heating filament wire, wherein the windingapparatus is configured to wind a second electrical resistance heatingfilament wire around the tubing assembly in conjunction with winding thefirst electrical resistance heating filament wire around the tubingassembly as the tubing assembly is moved through the open bore of thewinding apparatus.
 9. The system for manufacturing a tubing assembly asrecited in claim 8, wherein the winding control system is configured tocontrol a rate at which both the first and second electrical resistanceheating filament wires are wound around the tubing assembly as thetubing assembly is moved through the open bore of the winding apparatus.10. The system for manufacturing a tubing assembly as recited in claim8, further comprising: a first coating module configured to apply alayer of a dielectric material onto the tubing assembly prior tomovement of the tubing assembly through the open bore of the windingapparatus, the tubing assembly handling apparatus configured to directmovement of the tubing assembly during application of the layer of thedielectric material by the first coating module.
 11. The system formanufacturing a tubing assembly as recited in claim 10, furthercomprising: a second coating module configured to apply an encapsulationlayer of thermal insulating material over the tubing assembly aftermovement of the tubing assembly through the open bore of the windingapparatus, the tubing assembly handling apparatus configured to directmovement of the tubing assembly during application of the encapsulationlayer of thermal insulating material by the second coating module. 12.The system for manufacturing a tubing assembly as recited in claim 11,further comprising; a third coating module configured to apply anabrasion resistant material onto the tubing assembly after applicationof the encapsulation layer of thermal insulating material over thetubing assembly, the tubing assembly handling apparatus configured todirect movement of the tubing assembly during application of theabrasion resistant material by the third coating module.
 13. The systemfor manufacturing a tubing assembly as recited in claim 12, wherein theplurality of tubing structures are welded together to provide the one ormore fluid pathways through the plurality of tubing structures.
 14. Amethod for manufacturing a tubing assembly, comprising: operating awinding apparatus to wind an electrical resistance heating filament wirearound a tubing assembly as the tubing assembly is moved through thewinding apparatus, the tubing assembly including a plurality of tubingstructures connected to each other in a configuration providing one ormore fluid pathways through the plurality of tubing structures from afluid entrance of the plurality of tubing structures to a fluid exit ofthe plurality of tubing structures, the winding apparatus including anopen bore within which the electrical resistance heating filament wireis wound around the tubing assembly as the tubing assembly passesthrough the open bore; operating a tubing assembly handling apparatus tohold the tubing assembly and direct movement of the tubing assemblythrough the open bore of the winding apparatus; and operating a windingcontrol system to control operation of the winding apparatus and thetubing assembly handling apparatus.
 15. The method as recited in claim14, wherein the winding control system is operated to control a rate atwhich the electrical resistance heating filament wire is wound aroundthe tubing assembly as the tubing assembly passes through the open bore,wherein the winding control system is operated to control a rate atwhich the tubing assembly is moved through the open bore of the windingapparatus.
 16. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein the windingcontrol system is operated to execute a program such that movement ofthe tubing assembly through the open bore of the winding apparatus asthe electrical resistance heating filament wire is wound around thetubing assembly by the winding apparatus is performed in an automatedmanner in accordance with the program executed by the winding controlsystem.
 17. The method as recited in claim 14, wherein the tubingassembly handling apparatus is configured to control an orientation ofthe tubing assembly as the tubing assembly is moved through the openbore of the winding apparatus such that an axial centerline of a giventubing structure of the plurality of tubing sections is maintained in asubstantially perpendicular orientation relative to an entrance openingof the open bore of the winding apparatus as the given tubing structurepasses through the open bore of the winding apparatus.
 18. The method asrecited in claim 14, further comprising: operating a first coatingmodule to apply a layer of a dielectric material onto the tubingassembly prior to movement of the tubing assembly through the open boreof the winding apparatus; and operating the tubing assembly handlingapparatus to direct movement of the tubing assembly during applicationof the layer of the dielectric material by the first coating module. 19.The method as recited in claim 18, further comprising: operating asecond coating module to apply an encapsulation layer of thermalinsulating material over the tubing assembly after movement of thetubing assembly through the open bore of the winding apparatus; andoperating the tubing assembly handling apparatus to direct movement ofthe tubing assembly during application of the encapsulation layer ofthermal insulating material by the second coating module.
 20. The methodas recited in claim 19, further comprising: operating a third coatingmodule to apply an abrasion resistant material onto the tubing assemblyafter application of the encapsulation layer of thermal insulatingmaterial over the tubing assembly; and operating the tubing assemblyhandling apparatus to direct movement of the tubing assembly duringapplication of the abrasion resistant material by the third coatingmodule.